In October 2013, Wilbert Precast began working with Idaho Forest Group on the production of 110 log sorting bunks. This was a custom project brought to us after IFG purchased a state of the art, computerized, log sorting system from Sweden for their Lewiston, ID lumber mill. The total project value was $25 million. To understand this unique product, we must first explain how the complex sorting system operates.

The system first takes logs through a CT machine to identify their species. From there, logs go through a scanner to evaluate their length and diameter, and a computer will determine the best use for each log. The logs will then travel along a sorting line, where the computer will kick each log into their appropriate bunk. From there, logs are easily distributed for their specified purpose throughout the mill. This system has helped IFG increase their daily production from 500,000 to 1 million board feet per day, and also saved them time and money while increasing overall efficiency.

Even though IFG had many choices when it came to production, they chose to have their bunks produced out of high quality self-consolidating concrete rather than steel. They made this decision based on the increased mass, durability and longevity of precast concrete. Each bunk Wilbert Precast produced weighed between 21,000 and 38,000 pounds and contained an average of 1,200 pounds of rebar reinforcement. They were approximately 10’ tall by 11’ wide and ranged in depth from 3’11” to 6’6” deep.

The last log bunk was delivered to IFG on August 4, 2014. In the future, Wilbert Precast hopes to continue working with Idaho Forest Group on the production of log sorting bunks to expand this state of the art sorting system to their 4 additional lumber mills.